As they removed the sleeping bag covering, the sun briefly shone and a patch of blue sky appeared above, a brief break in the constant snowfall that has blanketed the base since soon after the prime minister arrived on Friday.

Sir Mark joked with the crowd that the pou did not mean Ngai Tahu was about to lodge a claim on Antarctica.

"I thought I better reassure the prime minister of that."

He said it was a privilege that Ngai Tahu, as the southern-most iwi, was asked to carve the pou.

The pou, called Navigator of the Heavens, was made of totara from the West Coast, which he was confident would withstand the rigours of Antarctica's harsh environment, despite it developing several cracks since its arrival on the frozen continent.

Mr Key said the pou was a "very meaningful addition" to the base.

"Scott Base has a place in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders even if they haven't visited here. Maori culture is enshrined in who we are as New Zealanders and to have this representation here is a lovely touch."